Excess skin removal

Wonderwomanvik
Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
edited December 19 in Social Groups
I’m so excited! I’m scheduled for panniculectomy on 1/16. I’m 2 1/2 Years out from VSG. My insurance is covering it!!! Not a full tummy tuck, but still... this is huge for me.
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Replies

  • HLaR79
    HLaR79 Posts: 1,519 Member
    That’s very exciting!!! Good luck in your surgery
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    Thank you
  • Samquentin
    Samquentin Posts: 109 Member
    That is SO exciting!!! Congrats!!! & Good luck!!
  • Elyseinchi
    Elyseinchi Posts: 71 Member
    How very exciting for you!! Congratulations and good luck!!!
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    Thank you.
  • MoyMG
    MoyMG Posts: 312 Member
    Wow, let us know how it goes? I hope to start my body tuck journey by the end of this year, and the tummy dewlap will be the first to go. So please provide any details you are comfortable sharing, how your recovery goes?
  • colochel
    colochel Posts: 263 Member
    I'm having one the day before! 1/17. I am paying OOP :( who do you go through for insurance? Good luck!!
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    I will be happy to keep you all updated. I must admit... I’m getting nervous as the day approaches.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    My insurance is Medicare... so for anyone out there that has been told they won’t cover it... they will. As long as it is medically necessary.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    Tomorrow is the big day! 5am check in. Let the process begin!!!
  • MoyMG
    MoyMG Posts: 312 Member
    Good luck, @Wonderwomanvik ! We're pulling for you, sending positive vibes!
  • HLaR79
    HLaR79 Posts: 1,519 Member
    Glad you made it out of surgery
  • MoyMG
    MoyMG Posts: 312 Member
    So excited for you! Hope they gave you something quickly to manage the pain. How long will you be in the hospital?
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    Yes. My surgical team and nursing team have been amazing
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    The pics I’m about to post are fairly intense, although no private parts are showing, I am nude to show the before and after of my tummy.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    One day before surgery.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    One day after surgery. Keep in mind there is a lot of swelling. I will post more pics as the healing progresses.
  • loveshoe
    loveshoe Posts: 361 Member
    I sure hope that it isn't as painful as it looks. Hope your recovery is quick and complication free.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    It is definitely as painful as it looks. But, looking ahead to the long game makes it easier to bear.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    Swelling is going down. I go in on Monday to have the drains removed. I think it’s weird the drains are in my hips, but they are doing their job...
  • sexygatubela77
    sexygatubela77 Posts: 46 Member
    @Wonderwomanvik
    My insurance is Medicare... so for anyone out there that has been told they won’t cover it... they will. As long as it is medically necessary.

    Hope you’re feeling better from your surgery! Thanks for sharing your experience.

    What kind of evidence did you present for them to cover it? My primary insurance won’t cover it.

    Thanks!
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    I started having skin infections. I burned my stomach and the skin would not heal because of the way it was stretched.
  • loveshoe
    loveshoe Posts: 361 Member
    I'm glad to know you're making progress.

    I'm curious and you don't have to answer if you don't want to but do you know how much skin you had removed. I'm asking because I believe I have about 5 pounds of excess skin all over my body (arms, back, abdomen, thighs, butt, etc.) I did a body fat test using calipers and the 5 pounds is based on that test and the person who performed the test. The BMI scales don't match the test results. I'm okay with the way I look (spanks are wonderful clothing enhancers) so no one knows what goes under my clothing.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    I am not sure. That is going to be one of my questions on Monday when I have my post op/drain removal appointment. If I had to guess... I’d say my stomach alone was 5lbs. But that is just a guess @loveshoe
  • rpyle111
    rpyle111 Posts: 1,060 Member
    Thanks for being brave enough to share the reality of the surgery. Best wishes for as smooth a recovery as is possible!
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    One week post OP:

    Still a lot of swelling. Dr said looks good. Drains have to stay in another week because the fluid output is still too high. She Said I’m doing too much and need to only get up to use bathroom and take my one walk a day.
    Is it me or does my new belly button looks like a heart... or the sign for Superman??? Haha
  • loveshoe
    loveshoe Posts: 361 Member
    Your incisions look much better and less painful. I do agree but I think it looks more like a badge for Superwoman. Anyone who can manage what looks like painful surgery has to be a Superwoman. Glad you're doing better and take the doctor's advice.
  • Wonderwomanvik
    Wonderwomanvik Posts: 2,932 Member
    edited January 2018
    Two weeks post op:
    I still cannot drive.
    Stitches still in.
    Both drains still in.
    But, I’ve gone down and up the stairs four times today... and walked for about 20 min.

    Swelling is almost gone, but I’m still producing too much fluid in my drains:
    Goal: less than 30 ml/24 hrs
    Left drain: 110ml
    Right drain: 55ml
  • loveshoe
    loveshoe Posts: 361 Member
    Thanks for the update. Continue to take care of yourself.
This discussion has been closed.